Greenhouses

ABSTRACT

A greenhouse having glass panels that is designed to capture and retain warmth in the colder months may be totally unsuitable for use in the warmer months as the conditions inside may be too hot. And conversely, for a structure designed to keep plants cooler during hot weather. This invention provides a building or structure that can easily be modified to provide improved growing conditions for plants in a range of seasons. This is made possible by a construction that facilitates easy removal and replacement of the major panels of the building, for example glass panels can quickly be replaced with shade panels when the seasons change from cold to hot. The top rails of the structure include a removal section providing access to remove both side wall panels and roofing panels. In addition, the panels are secured to the frames with a friction fit sealing arrangement which aids quick replacement, and enhances the structural rigidity of the greenhouse when fitted.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to greenhouses, and in particular, but notexclusively to a method of construction for a greenhouse.

BACKGROUND

Greenhouses typically comprise a framework structure that supports alarge number of panels of glass, plastic or a screen material.

There is generally a requirement to let as much light pass through thestructure as possible, and for this reason there is a desire to keep thesize and quantity of any structure to a minimum.

If not well constructed, and particularly if the structure is slenderand not well braced, and if the panels are not secured well, agreenhouse can be relatively flimsy, or it can tend to rattle or bebuffeted by wind.

Greenhouses and other horticultural structures are generally designed tofacilitate a particular range of growing conditions, or to at leastprovide a more consistent growing conditions, than are availableoutside. However, a greenhouse having glass panels that is designed tocapture and retain warmth in the colder months may be totally unsuitablefor use in the warmer months as the conditions inside may be too hot.And conversely, for a structure designed to keep plants cooler duringhot weather.

The relatively fragile nature of many greenhouses limits theirsuitability for modification or adjustment once assembled.

In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where adocument, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, thisreference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act oritem of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date,publicly available, known to the public, part of common generalknowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problemwith which this specification is concerned.

OBJECT

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide agreenhouse, or a method of constructing greenhouses, which will at leastgo some way towards overcoming one or more of the above mentionedproblems, or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention may broadly be said toconsist in a greenhouse comprising;

-   -   a plurality of panels, and    -   a framework structure which includes channels configured to hold        the panels;

and wherein the greenhouse includes at least one movable section offramework that can be moved to a first position in which the or eachmovable section of frame retains one or more of the panels within theframework, and can be moved to a second position in which the or eachmovable section of frame allows one or more of the panels to be removedand/or installed.

Preferably the panels are panels selected from the following options:glass panels, polycarbonate panels, acrylic panels, shade panels and/orscreen or mesh panels.

Preferably the or each movable section of framework is a slidablesection of framework.

Optionally the or each movable section of framework is a hinged sectionof framework.

Preferably the or each movable section of framework forms a part of atop plate of one or more sidewalls of the greenhouse.

Preferably the or each movable section of framework forms a part of afacia panel, gutter or lower rail of one or more roof sections of thegreenhouse.

Preferably the or each movable section of framework includes, or forms apart of, a channel that is used to secure panels of the greenhouse.

Preferably the framework comprises a plurality of sections made fromaluminium extrusions.

Preferably the or each movable section of framework is configured toslide longitudinally within a fixed section of framework of thegreenhouse.

Preferably the or each top plate of the greenhouse frame comprises twomembers, a first top plate member being a fixed member, and a second topplate member being the movable section of framework.

Preferably the second top plate member engages with the first top platemember using a longitudinal sliding engagement means.

Preferably the greenhouse also includes a compression strip or stripsconfigured to wedge the edges of the panels within the channels.

Preferably the compression strips are made of a rubberized material or amaterial having rubber-like properties.

In a second aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in amulti-role horticultural structure incorporating the features of agreenhouse substantially as specified herein.

In a third aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a kitof parts for forming a greenhouse or multi-role horticultural structuresubstantially as specified herein when assembled, said kit including;

-   -   sections of framework for use in constructing the frame of the        greenhouse or structure,    -   panels having a range of properties for use in the construction        of the greenhouse or structure, and    -   compression strips configured to securely wedge the panels        within the framework.

Preferably the compression strips are made of a rubberized material or amaterial having rubber-like properties.

Preferably the kit of parts includes compression strips of a pluralityof widths.

Preferably the sections of framework are formed from aluminiumextrusions.

In a fourth aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in amethod of modifying the properties or role of a greenhouse orhorticultural structure of the type having a framework which supports aplurality of panels within channels in the framework, the methodincluding the steps of

-   -   withdrawing compression strips from the channels of the        framework surrounding one or more of the panels of the        greenhouse or horticultural structure,    -   moving one or more movable sections of the framework to allow        one or more of the panels of the greenhouse or horticultural        structure to be removed,    -   replacing the removed panels with panels having properties that        are different to those of the removed panels,    -   re-positioning each of the movable sections of the framework        that were moved to secure each of the replaced panels, and    -   placing compression strips into the channels of the framework        surrounding each of the replaced panels.

The invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elementsand features referred to or indicated in the specification of theapplication, individually or collectively, and any or all combinationsof any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherespecific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents,such equivalents are incorporated herein as if they were individuallyset forth.

DESCRIPTION

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description which is given by way of example only and withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a greenhouse according to the presentinvention,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a section of the framework of thegreenhouse with a glass panel installed,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a section of the framework of thegreenhouse with a shade panel installed, and

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a top plate of the greenhouseshowing a removal section of framework.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, a greenhouse or horticultural structure(11) according to the present invention will now be described. Thegreenhouse (11) is made of a number of panels (13) and a frameworkstructure (15) which includes channels (17) configured to hold thepanels.

An important feature of the greenhouse (11) is that it is a multi-rolestructure. This multi-role feature is possible due to the fact that themain panels (13) of the structure can be interchanged with panels havingdifferent properties. For example glass panels can be removed and can bereplaced with mesh or shade panels. This change in configuration isuseful to allow the greenhouse (11) to be used effectively during anyseason of the year or to produce a range or growing conditions.

This multi-role feature is made possible by constructing the framework(15) in such a manner that one or more of the sections of framework iseasily moved to allow panels to be slid out of the channels (17) of theadjacent framework (15).

In this example, the greenhouse (11) includes two movable sections offramework (19), which in this case are slidable relative to theremainder of the framework (15). Each of these movable sections (19) canbe slid to a first position, or an installed position, in which theyretain the panels (13) on each side of them. And they can be moved to asecond position, or a removed position, in which the movable sections(19) allow the adjacent panels (13) to be removed and/or installed.

With reference to FIG. 4 it can be seen that the movable sections offramework (19) are in the form of capping or finishing extrusions thatare configured to engage with the remainder of the framework (15). Inthis example, the movable sections of framework (19) form part of a topplate (20) of the sidewalls (22). The top plate (20) of each sidewall ofthe greenhouse (11) is also a facia panel or lower rail of the roofsections (24).

The movable sections of framework (19) each engage with a first topplate member or fixed section (19 a) of the top plate (20) to completeeach top plate (20). The movable sections of framework (19) can becalled a second top plate member, and when engaged with the first topplate members (19 a), they complete each top plate (20). When engagedwith the first top plate member (19 a) of the top plates (20), themovable sections of framework (19) secure the panels (13) in both theside walls (22) and the roof sections (24).

The movable sections of framework (19) engage with the first top platemember (19 a) to form the top plate (20) by means of a sliding joint.Both the first top plate member (19 a) and the movable sections offramework (19) are typically formed as aluminium extrusions and areconfigured such that one can slide longitudinally, or lengthwise, withinthe other. It can be seen in FIG. 4 that the fixed section (19 a)includes an elongate cavity or socket which is configured to receive acomplimentary elongate male portion of the movable section of framework(19). The male portion of the extrusion forming the movable section offramework (19) is configured to mate with the cavity of the extrusion ofthe fixed section (19 a) is such a manner that the movable section offramework (19) is not able to rotate relative to the fixed section (19a).

The fixed sections (19 a) of the top plates (20) maintain the structuralintegrity of the greenhouse (11) while the movable sections of framework(19) are removed.

In practice, the movable sections of framework (19) also form a gutterof the greenhouse (11).

The panels (13) can be of any type that is desired to suit a particularseason or to create a particular growing environment, for example thepanels can be made of glass, polycarbonate, acrylic panels, mesh, etc orthey can be panels having differing light filtering effects, breathingcharacteristics, etc.

In this example, the framework (15) is made of a number of sections madefrom aluminium extrusions, and which are formed with channels (17) thatare approximately ten millimetres wide and fifteen millimetres deep. Thepanels (13) simply slot into the channels (17) and are held by them.

The movable sections of framework (19) include, or complete, thechannels of the top plates (20) of the side walls (22), which, as notedabove are also the facia panels or lower rails of the roof sections(24). In this way, the movable sections of framework (19) complete thechannels that surround each panel (13) when the movable sections offramework (19) are fitted, and they allow the panels (13) to be removedor replaced when they are slid out of position as shown in FIG. 1.

Beading strips, or compression strips (21), are used to secure thepanels within the channels (17). Beading strips (21) of differing widthscan be used to secure panels of differing widths within the channels(17). The beading strips (21) are configured to wedge the edges of thepanels within the channels (17) and in doing so they provide a sealaround the edges of the panels (13), and in addition they provide astructural bond between the panels (13) and the framework (15). Thestructural bond is very helpful as this means that each of the panelsbecomes a shear web which adds a significant amount of strength andstability to the greenhouse (11).

The beading strips (21) are made of a rubberized material or a materialhaving rubber-like properties. In profile, the beading strips (21) havea central spine and a number of projections from each side of thatspine. And partly because of the resilient material that they are madeof, and partly due to their flexible shape, the beading strips can bewedged into the channels (17) alongside the edges of the panels (13) towedge the panels in place and seal around them.

The nature of the beading strips (21) allows them to accommodate somevariation in the thickness of the panels (13), however to accommodate awider variation of panel thickness, beading strips of differingthicknesses can be used.

Therefore a multi-role green house or horticultural structure (11) thatincludes panels (13) of a range of thicknesses will also include beadingstrips (21) of a range of widths. For example a green house (11) thatuses six millimetre thick glass panels in the winter, and shading meshthat is only two millimetres thick in the summer, will require two setsof beading strips (21), a thinner set to hold the glass and a thickerset to hold the mesh. FIGS. 2 and 3 show these two configurations, withglass panels shown in FIG. 2 and with mesh panels shown in FIG. 3.

The properties or role of the greenhouse or horticultural structure (11)can be modified using the following simple steps;

-   -   withdrawing beading strips from the channels of the framework        surrounding one or more of the panels of the greenhouse or        horticultural structure,    -   moving one or more movable sections of the framework to allow        one or more of the panels of the greenhouse or horticultural        structure to be removed,    -   replacing the removed panels with panels having properties that        are different to those of the removed panels,    -   re-positioning each of the movable sections of the framework        that were moved to secure each of the replaced panels, and    -   placing beading strips into the channels of the framework        surrounding each of the replaced panels.

VARIATIONS

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changesin construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of theinvention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope ofthe invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and thedescription herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be inany sense limiting.

In the example described above, the greenhouse (11) includes two movablesections (19) of framework (15), however it is envisaged that indiffering embodiments the greenhouse (11) could include only one, or anynumber of movable sections (19).

Also, in the example described above, the greenhouse (11) includesmovable sections (19) that are slidable, however, it is envisaged thatthe movable sections (19) could be pivotally connected to the framework(15) and/or be attached using removable fasteners.

DEFINITIONS

The term “greenhouse” used herein is intended to mean an enclosedstructure that is used for the cultivation or protection of plants. Theterm is intended to include glass-houses, shade-houses and similarhorticultural structures.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise” and variations of thatword, such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to excludeother additives, components, integers or steps.

ADVANTAGES

Thus it can be seen that at least the preferred form of the inventionprovides a greenhouse which has good structural strength and resistanceto rattling and buffeting, which can be well sealed from the wind andrain, and which can be modified with relative ease to suit the differingrequirements in different seasons, to suit the local climate or toprovide differing growing requirements. And all this is achieved with astructure that is relatively slender and which provides minimalobstruction to light entering the structure

1. A greenhouse comprising a plurality of panels, and a frameworkstructure which includes channels configured to hold the panels; andwherein the greenhouse includes at least one movable section offramework that can be moved to a first position in which the or eachmovable section of frame retains one or more of the panels within theframework, and can be moved to a second position in which the or eachmovable section of frame allows one or more of the panels to be removedand/or installed.
 2. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 1, wherein thepanels are panels selected from the following options: glass panels,polycarbonate panels, acrylic panels, shade panels and/or screen or meshpanels.
 3. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or eachmovable section of framework is a slidable section of framework.
 4. Agreenhouse as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or each movable section offramework forms a part of a top plate of one or more sidewalls of thegreenhouse.
 5. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or eachmovable section of framework forms a part of a facia panel, gutter orlower rail of one or more roof sections of the greenhouse.
 6. Agreenhouse as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or each movable section offramework includes, or forms a part of, a channel that is used to securepanels of the greenhouse.
 7. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe framework comprises a plurality of sections made from aluminiumextrusions.
 8. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or eachmovable section of framework is configured to slide longitudinallywithin a fixed section of framework of the greenhouse.
 9. A greenhouseas claimed in claim 1, wherein the or each top plate of the greenhouseframe comprises two members, a first top plate member being a fixedmember, and a second top plate member being the movable section offramework.
 10. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 9, wherein the secondtop plate member engages with the first top plate member using alongitudinal sliding engagement means.
 11. A greenhouse as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the greenhouse also includes a compression strip orstrips configured to wedge the edges of the panels within the channels.12. A greenhouse as claimed in claim 11, wherein the compression stripsare made of a rubberized material or a material having rubber-likeproperties.
 13. A multi-role horticultural structure incorporating thefeatures of a greenhouse substantially as claimed in claim
 1. 14. A kitof parts for forming a greenhouse or multi-role horticultural structuresubstantially as claimed in claim 1 when assembled, said kit including;sections of framework for use in constructing the frame of thegreenhouse or structure, panels having a range of properties for use inthe construction of the greenhouse or structure, and compression stripsconfigured to securely wedge the panels within the framework.
 15. A kitof parts for forming a greenhouse or multi-role horticultural structureas claimed in claim 14, wherein the compression strips are made of arubberized material or a material having rubber-like properties.
 16. Akit of parts for forming a greenhouse or multi-role horticulturalstructure as claimed in claim 14, wherein the kit of parts includescompression strips of a plurality of widths.
 17. A kit of parts forforming a greenhouse or multi-role horticultural structure as claimed inclaim 14, wherein the sections of framework are formed from aluminiumextrusions.
 18. A method of modifying the properties or role of agreenhouse or horticultural structure of the type having a frameworkwhich supports a plurality of panels within channels in the framework,the method including the steps of; withdrawing compression strips fromthe channels of the framework surrounding one or more of the panels ofthe greenhouse or horticultural structure, moving one or more movablesections of the framework to allow one or more of the panels of thegreenhouse or horticultural structure to be removed, replacing theremoved panels with panels having properties that are different to thoseof the removed panels, re-positioning each of the movable sections ofthe framework that were moved to secure each of the replaced panels, andplacing compression strips into the channels of the frameworksurrounding each of the replaced panels.